Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper condemns 'despicable attack'

OTTAWA (AFP) - Prime Minister Stephen Harper condemned the "despicable attack" on Canada's parliament Wednesday that left a soldier and a suspect dead.

Harper's office said the prime minister stressed the importance of keeping the government and parliament functioning, in his talks with parliamentary leaders.

"While the prime minister stated that facts are still being gathered, he condemned this despicable attack," the statement said.

Harper was in the parliament meeting with lawmakers when a gunmen stormed into the building after shooting a soldier guarding a war memorial nearby.

Authorities said the soldier had died and a suspect in the shooting was killed in an exchange of fire with police.

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